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...Or at least spice up your Fall

by Brandi Daniels, creator of Eat.Drink.Yoga

There is something special about Fall compared to all other seasons; this one is just magical. Maybe it's the return of all your favorite Fall dramas on TV, the need for a sweater, or simply the smell of pumpkin and rolling leaves. Fall gets me thinking of ways to hone in on my routine, bunker down for winter and make use of things spicy and sweet.

Just because the temperature is falling doesn't mean you have to forgo your morning smoothies and juices - the key is to finds ways to warm them up! My go-tos are spices and essential oils (yes, I do mean add essentials oils to your drinks). Essential oils, along with spices, offer both medicinal benefits as well as natural alternatives for color, sweetness and flavor. So grab your Vitamix, spice jars and your favorite paper straw - these smoothies are going to keep you going all season long.

Optional: 2-3 dates will provide texture and sweetness if the banana + protein powder are not enough. Rice or Hemp milk are other great alternatives, Coconut tends to change the flavor too much.

Directions:

Add everything to your blender and blend till smooth, creamy consistency, add another dash of cinnamon on top and serve.

**Clove, Cinnamon, Turmeric - are all warming spices that promote circulation, decrease inflamation in the body and support a healthy immune system.

Indian Chai Smoothie

Ingredients:

2 scoops of Vanilla Pea Protein

10 oz Unsweetened Almond Milk (or milk alternative)

1 Frozen banana

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp ground ginger (if you prefer to use fresh only use 1 slice about the size of your finger nail)

Dash of black pepper, cardamon, nutmeg

1 drop of Clove Bud Essential Oil

Ice

Optional: For even more flavor take all the spice and put them into a steeping tea pouch or bouquet garni and steep in your milk overnight - this will add tons of flavor to your milk and bring out the smooth Chai flavor in your smoothie

Directions:

Blend as usual, sprinkle cinnamon on top and serve!

Grandma's Apple Pie (in a jar)

Ingredients:

2 scoops of Vanilla Pea Protein

8 oz Unsweetened Almond Milk

1 c of Unsweetened Organic Applesauce

1/2 tsp Cinnamon

Dash of Ground Ginger

Dash of Ground Nutmeg

2 tbls Organic Chia Seeds

Ice

Directions:

Blend well, serve chilled and drink immediately - because of the Chia seeds you do not want this one to sit to long. The liquid causes the chia seeds to expand and thicken the smoothie.

After an exciting summer filled with travel, BBQs and late night parties - Fall offers you a reprieve, a chance to get back to your routine and reboot in time for the holidays. Adding these simple ingredients to your standard smoothie will not only light up your tastebuds but will keep you motivated and excited about eating clean, eating healthy and nourishing your body. Bon appetite!

Brandi Daniels (aka YogiGypsy) is a Health + Wellness specialist in San Diego and the creator and community connector of Eat.Drink.Yoga. She started Eat.Drink.Yoga. out of a passion for food, travel, yoga, living a great life and wanting to share that with others. Visit www.eatdrinkyoga.com for more recipes.